From correspondents in Madhya Pradesh, India, 08:00 PM IST

Maihar, a famous pilgrimage centre in Madhya Pradesh, would be developed on the pattern of Haridwar in Uttar Pradesh, the state's Narmada Valley Development Minister Nagendra Singh said Tuesday.

After returning from a tour of the rural areas in Satna district, Singh said the Bargi canal emanating from the Narmada river would be extended up to Satna district after which it would pass through Maihar.

Singh said all impediments in the path of bringing the canal to Satna have been removed. Tenders worth about Rs.20 billion ($500 million) have been passed and the construction work on the canal has begun, he added

Singh said a stream, like 'Har Ki Pauri' in Haridwar, would be developed on the banks of the canal at Maihar following which the devotees would be able to pray to the Goddess Ma Sharda Devi and have a dip in the Narmada river.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)